United Kingdom Woman Arrested For Social Media Post Allegedly Containing ‘Inaccurate Information’

A 55-year-old woman from the United Kingdom was arrested regarding a social media post that allegedly contained “inaccurate information” about an alleged attacker.

“A 55-year-old woman from near Chester has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences relating to a social media post containing inaccurate information about the identity of the Southport attacker, Cheshire Police has said,” Sky News reports.

Police arrested the woman on “suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred and false communication.”

WATCH:

BREAKING: A 55-year-old woman from near Chester has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences relating to a social media post containing inaccurate information about the identity of the Southport attacker, Cheshire Police has said.

Live updates: https://t.co/P33jpmRI53 pic.twitter.com/K5DE5tqAZz

— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 8, 2024

“A 55-year-old woman from near to Chester, was arrested earlier today (Thurs 8 August) on suspicion of a number of offences in relation to a social media post containing inaccurate information about the identity of the attacker in the Southport murders,” Cheshire Police wrote.

A 55-year-old woman from near to Chester, was arrested earlier today (Thurs 8 August) on suspicion of a number of offences in relation to a social media post containing inaccurate information about the identity of the attacker in the Southport murders. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/DxUZcEVjlv

— Cheshire Police (@cheshirepolice) August 8, 2024

“We have all seen the violent disorder that has taken place across the UK over the past week, much of which has been fuelled by malicious and inaccurate communications online,” Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said.

“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of posting information on social media platforms without checking the accuracy. It also acts as a warning that we are all accountable for our actions, whether that be online or in person,” Ross continued.

“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of posting information on social media platforms without checking the accuracy. It also acts as a warning that we are all accountable for our actions, whether that be online or in person.”

Read more – https://t.co/SCkZRp3agL (3/3)

— Cheshire Police (@cheshirepolice) August 8, 2024

The Guardian reports:

Police across the UK have issued warnings over the spreading online of an “incorrect” name for the Southport suspect – now named as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana – and a false story around his background.

Sunder Katwala, director of the thinktank British Future, highlighted a number of high-profile online figures, including Laurence Fox and former kickboxer Andrew Tate, who were “sharing that false information” on X.

A number of experts said this misinformation had been used by a “vocal minority” to sow division and “fuel their own agenda and trigger a summer of thrill-seeking impulsive insurrection” after violent disorder in the days since the attack.

BREAKING: UK woman arrested over ‘inaccurate social media post’https://t.co/OtEDgqXvPa

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 8, 2024

“The director of public prosecutions of England and Wales warns that sharing online material of riots could be an offence,” Sky News wrote.

“We do have dedicated police officers who are scouring social media. Their job is to look for this material, and then follow up with identifications and arrests,” he said.

“This is actually happening,” Elon Musk commented.

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This is actually happening https://t.co/50NdFdlZfi

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 8, 2024

Per Independent:

Reposting hateful messages about violent disorder on social media could mean you end up in court, Britain’s top prosecutor has warned.

Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson also said extradition would “of course” be considered for people posting online about inciting UK riots while out of the country if it is “serious criminality”.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: “Anyone stirring up hateful or threatening activity on social media is potentially contributing to the violent disorder on our streets.

“You may be committing a crime if you repost, repeat or amplify a message which is false, threatening, or stirs up racial/religious hatred.

“Be mindful of what you are saying and sharing online, as you could face prosecution.”

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In an extremely dystopian message, the Crown Prosecution Service said “think before you post.”

“Think before you post! Content that incites violence or hatred isn’t just harmful – it can be illegal. The CPS takes online violence seriously and will prosecute when the legal test is met. Remind those close to you to share responsibly or face the consequences,” the Crown Prosecution Service wrote.

Think before you post! Content that incites violence or hatred isn’t just harmful – it can be illegal.

The CPS takes online violence seriously and will prosecute when the legal test is met. Remind those close to you to share responsibly or face the consequences. pic.twitter.com/5gxnUH02yw

— Crown Prosecution Service (@CPSUK) August 7, 2024